Abstract: MATH/CHEM/COMP 2002, Dubrovnik, June 24-29, 2002

LATANOPROST MONOTHERAPY IS EFFECTIVE ANTIGLAUCOMA TREATMENT FOR

PATIENTS  RESISTANT TO β-BLOCKERS

Nikola stambuk¹, Josip Pavan², Paško Konjevoda¹, and Doroteja Pavan³

¹Rudjer Boskovic Institute, POB 180, HR-10002 Zagreb, Croatia

²Clinical Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Suska bb, HR-10000 Zagreb, Croatia

³General Hospital Karlovac, Andrije Stampara 3, HR-47000 Karlovac, Croatia

Glaucoma is a major global cause of blindness. Its prevalence varies between countries and increases with age. Latanoprost (PhXA41) is a prostaglandin analogue which has a novel mechanism of action on intraocular pressure. We analysed ocular hypotensive efficacy of latanoprost (Xalatan^Ò), in a clinical trial conducted on 157 patients. Xalatan^Ò is a topical solution containing latanoprost 0.005% as the active ingredient. The results of the study indicate that latanoprost (Xalatan^Ò) may be an useful therapeutic agent in glaucoma patients resistant to beta-blockers. Chemistry, biochemistry and modes of action of latanoprost will be discussed.